Chapter Three: Decisions

Bella's Point of View

After months of pondering, I have found a way to truly join Edward. I would go to the Volturi. I remember that Edward once told me that they kill vampires who no longer wish to live. I'm sure they wouldn't mind killing me as well. After all, I am human. I grabbed the credit card Edward had given me for emergencies, then got up to leave.
Sure, everyone would miss me. All I could think of is that I would be with Edward again. Edward was about to go to the Volturi when he'd though I had died. Today, I would be doing the same thing. Today, I would be reunited with him.
Before I left, I wrote a short note. I left it on my bed, where it was sure to be found.

Dear Carlisle, Esme, Alice, Jasper, Emmet, Rosalie, and Jacob,

I'm so sorry, but I've decided that I can't live without Edward. I hope you can understand my decision. I'm going to Italy.
Love forever,
Bella

I quickly set off, before any of them could stop me. I arrived at Sea-Tac Airport and boarded the first plane to Volterra, Italy. The plane ride was long and uncomfortable, but thoughts of being with Edward soothed me. I fell asleep on-board, but my dreams were different. For the first time ever, I wasn't restrained. I was able to run to Edward. I talked with him, and told him about my plans. I woke up too soon to the automated voice of saying, "You may now stand and move about in the cabin. Thank you for flying with Alaska Airlines." I'd been to Volterra only once before. The city is incredible. There are so many things to do, places to see, and, of course, all of it is extraordinarily beautiful. It's no wonder the Volturi chose to live in such a wonderful place. After all, they are vampire royalty.
Once I entered the building, I was asked to state my business "I'd like to meet with Aro, Caius, and Marcus, please," I replied. Their secretary escorted my into their chamber. As soon as I entered, all three turned around. Aro seemed absolutely overjoyed to see me. "Isabella. What a wonderful surprise! But where is Edward?" I cringed. "I'd rather not speak of it," I said coldly. "No matter, no matter," Aro replied as he swept gracefully across the room to stand in front of me. "May I?" he asked. I knew about his gift. He could read minds like Edward, but he had to be touching them. I nodded, and he took my hand in his. Aro's eyes seemed to glaze over for a brief period of time as he relived the battle through my eyes. A few moments later, and his red eyes refocused. "I'm so sorry for your loss, but we can't proceed with what you came here for, I'm afraid. Caius, Marcus and I find it extraordinary that you are immune to gifts concerning the mind." I didn't like where this was going so far. "I won't make your visit here a waste, though. I am willing to offer you a position in our guard Of course, we'll change you as soon as we can. I have a strong feeling that you'll have a gift of your own."
At first, I was astonished. Me? Join the Volturi? This wasn't what I'd planned for this trip at all. I was extremely surprised at the level of interest in me from them, though. I was distraught and stressed. I really didn't know what to think at the moment. I had assumed they would just agree to kill me, and get it over with quickly. "Aro, I couldn't bear to be away from Edward any longer than I already have. I'm really sorry, but I'm going to have to reject your invitation. I'll find another way to...join him," I answered. Aro looked disappointed, but didn't object. At that, I left swiftly.
On the plane ride home, I thought of the most inconspicuous ways to join Edward. As he had once said before, there are so many ways to end a human life. I finally decided on the easiest one I could think of. I took a cab to a hotel, and spent the night there. This time, my dreams were empty, lifeless. I didn't see Edward-it was just black nothingness. I didn't really get much sleep anyway. I woke up early, and set out for the ride home. I knew they'd be furious when I got back. As soon as I walked into the house, Alice screamed, "BELLA! WHAT where you thinking?! We were all worried sick! We thought you were...gone."
I put down my bags, then said, "Calm down, guys. I just needed a bit of time to...think about things. I'm fine. Aro said they wouldn't kill me, but they offered me a place in the guard. I refused. I couldn't." I sighed, exasperated.
"Really? I'm surprised they didn't make you stay! They're all fascinated by your immunity to some gifts," Emmet commented. Esme silenced him with a look, then said, "Good thing you're all right " Her tone suddenly turned fierce. "Don't ever scare us like that again, Bella. Edward wouldn't want you to do something like that." I nodded. "You must starving," she fretted. "You've been gone for three days!"
"I guess I could use a snack," I replied. Esme quickly hurried out of the room and into the kitchen to fetch something for me to eat. The Cullens' kitchen has been fully stocked lately because I've been living there full time, in Edward's room. Jacob visited all the time, too. This reminded me: "Where's Jake?"
Everyone's joyous expressions instantly turned into pity. "Well, we explained to him about what your note meant, and he stormed out," Carlisle sighed. "He probably ran of to someplace in Canada or something. He'll come home. He always returns," I assume. Esme returned with a plate of carrots and some ranch.
"Thank you, Esme. For everything. Really," I said to her gratefully. I thought I should tell her how much I appreciated her. After all, I'd just disappeared to possibly the most dangerous place for me to be without a second of notice. "I'm really sorry I left you guys." I couldn't bring myself to think about what I was planning.